Early Saturday morning, a fire destroyed the main entrance and north wing of the long-closed retirement home, 9230 Cedar Knoll Drive. Township Fire Chief Greg Jones believes a fire started by homeless people staying there spread out of control.

The building has been the center of concerns in the township for years, Stormont said. Reports of methamphetamine labs inside were never confirmed. Reports of homeless people staying inside now appear true.

"It was an accident waiting to happen," Stormont said.

Last year, the township began legal proceedings to have the building deemed dangerous and either demolished or brought up to code. After a series of hearings and ample time for the building's owner, Canton-resident Frank Alexander of F&G Management Enterprises, to respond, the process concluded.

Alexander had to comply with township ordinance and tear the building down or the township would and stick him with the bill.

"It went into bankruptcy about the time it was finishing up," Stormont said. "Everything was ready to move. ... Because it was in bankruptcy, we were told you can't even go on the property."

Stormont has yet to speak to the township's attorney and determine what is next. Perhaps, because of the fire, something might change with the status of the building and what action the township can take, but until he has legal clearance, there is not much he can do.